Points of Interest

Small competed in Nordic skiing as a 12-year-old and played volleyball at Colorado State University. She also competed in slalom kayaking for several years, including twice as a Junior Olympics participant

Small was a math teacher before competing in cycling and still is a substitute teacher and tutor when she's not on her bike.

Small enjoys cooking and often has people come over or she cooks for her husband, Ben Sonntag, who is an internationally competitive German cyclist.

Her father, Allen, was a member of the U.S. Biathlon national team.

Hobbies: Cooking; Anything outsideFavorite Race: Tour of FlandersFavorite Place to Train: Lucca, ItalyBest Cycling Memory: In 2013, racing the team time trial at the world championships in Florence Italy, winning with Specialized-lululemon, and standing on the top step listening to the USA national anthem.Best Advice From a Coach When First Starting Out: Believe in yourself.Motivations: That’s pretty simple, riding a bike is fun! I get to travel the world and have great experiences, so making the most out of it is worth every second.Personal & Career Goals: Personal - opening a math tutoring center. Cycling - Rio Olympics 2016.First Involvement in Cycling: Through triathlons. I loved the bike leg, so I started at some local bike races and was asked to a USA Cycling Talent ID camp and fell in love with racing my bike!

Personal

Carmen Small was always athletic. She started competing in Nordic skiing at 12 years of age. In addition to skiing, she competed in gymnastics, kayaking, volleyball, basketball, softball and track & field. As a senior setter, Small helped the Durango High School Demons secure the 1997 state volleyball championship. She continued ascending through the volleyball ranks to compete for two seasons at the College of Southern Idaho. After two years, Small decided to finish her mathematics degree at Colorado State University, where she played club volleyball and began participating in triathlons.

While participating in the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic criterium, Michael Engelman spotted Small and convinced her to pursue cycling. In 2006, Small changed to cycling and hasn't looked back since, beginning with winning the Rocky Mountain Omnium Criterium in 2006. In 2007, she placed 12th in the elite women's road race at the USA Cycling Elite, U23 & Juniors Road National Championships and eighth overall at the Mt. Hood Cycling Classic.

In 2010, Small enjoyed a standout season. She topped the podium following the road race at the 2010 Sea Otter Classic, placed third in the third stage of the 2010 Tour de l'Aude in France. She also represented the United States of America at the 2010 UCI Road World Championships in Geelong, Australia, where she placed 65th while helping Amber Neben finish 17th.

Small credits many people for her success. "My family has been extremely important in my journey," Small said. "My husband, Ben Sonntag, has been completely supportive and understanding about the sacrifices we've had to make. My coach, Corey Hart, has always believed in me, giving me the confidence and courage to go after my dreams."

This Article Published November 30, 2011
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